Wide leg pants

I've been getting back into my sewing lately, and have been making myself a few things to wear. I saw these kind of wide-leg pants at a boutique I shop at and decided to try making a similar pair.

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I found a pattern, Simplicity 8605, and got some fabric a JoAnn's. The best part of the pattern was the pockets! Gotta love pockets.

Putting the pants togther went very smoothly, but the hardest part was getting the elastic through the 2 channels. Getting them both to come through at the same time without losing one of the other was one of the most time consuming parts of making these.

My fabric choice didn't make this any easier. It was a little too heavy for this project, but it worked. Between the pockets in the front and the waistband, there was a lot of fabric to deal with.

These are super comfy, kinda like pajama pants, but the fabric made them good to wear to work.

It was great to whip up something that came together so fast. I think I'm gonna have to try my hand at making something else soon.

Slip Sew-Along

I needed to get back to my poor neglected sewing machine, and I wanted a fun project that was just for me. So I decided to do join in on Gertie's Slip Sew-Along for her new vintage-inspired lingerie pattern by Butterick.

The pattern is Butterick Patterns 6031*. It has variations for a camisole, full slip and panties. The sew along is for the slip and panties. I had ordered the supply kit from Gertie's etsy store, so I had everything I needed, or so I thought.

I cut into my new fabric (for some reason, I just hate cutting into a new cut of fabric), and was all ready to go until I noticed that I didn't have any stretch needles. Now I've attempted to sew on stretch fabrics before without a stretch needle and it just makes for a frustrating time with lots of skipped stitches. So, I headed to the store to get some stretch needles* for my machine.

Once I got my needles I was ready to start sewing. Gertie's instructions made it really easy to figure out the construction of the slip. It was a lot easier than I had thought. And thank goodness she made a video for the straps. It was so much easier to understand while seeing it being done.

And here it is... my very own vintage inspired slip! I still have to make the panties as part of the sew-along, but I don't think you need to be seeing my undies on here.

Have you ever done a sew along? Or sewn lingerie?

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I sewed up some pajama pants

After seeing these pajama pants on one of my favorite blogs, A Spoonful of Sugar, a couple of weeks ago, I had to get that fabric and make my own pair.

I loved the cuff detail and the 3/4 length too, so I made mine capris and added a cuff with a great coordinating fabric that I found at JoAnn's.

The pants came together super easy and very quickly. I wanted to add a little bow detail to the front, but since I didn't find a matching ribbon, I made some bias tape out of the cuff fabric. I added the bias the long way first, but found that my bow kept coming out standing up straight. So, I attached the bias like this.

And got the pefect little bow.

Here they are all done. My new travel inspired pajama pants. These will definitely have to take a trip on my next vacation with me.

It was great to get some "me" sewing done this weekend. I may even make some more pajama pants.

Did you make anything this weekend?

WIP Wednesday

Most of my work in progress this week is laundry and my half packed suitcase. But I did finish up my last week's WIP.

Here's my dress! I didn't have time to make my own pattern with grandma (she had a lot of work come in), so I scoured my pattern boxes to find a pattern that would work. I used New Look 6557. I had this pattern forever and it wasn't even cut out. It had the same straps as the Sundress of My Life, and after really looking at the fabric, I thought the buttons would be overkill. So I went with View E and made the skirt way shorter.

Grandma did help me with a few alterations the dress needed. She helped me put in some bust darts, cause the top was just too gaping without them. She also helped me adjust the "talle" in the back (I have no idea what this is called in English, but it's the length of the back). After those few adjustments, it fit like a glove.

The dress was pretty easy to make, and I'm probably gonna make one of the other views too. It really does have a vintage vibe with the fabric and the silhouette. I can't wait to wear it and show it off.

My weekend: ink, sewing and Easter

Here's an Instagram view of how I spent my weekend (can you tell I'm a little Instagram obsessed?

breakfast with grandma & the aunts / showing off my cute braid / my new tattoo!

retail therapy, colored jeans / working on my new dress / Mom's Easter cake (featuring some flowers from her new cake class

Tiffi chilling after Easter dinner / my dress almost done / our Easter flowers

The weekend was great, I just wish there was more of it. I have so many things to do before I leave on Saturday, I could have used another day off to get more done.

I hope everyone had a great weekend and a Happy Easter and Passover!

I made a new skirt

I finally made myself a new piece of clothing. This was a  pretty easy project and took a couple of hours to finish (it only took me that long cause I took pictures along the way).

I used Simplicity 2286. I was going to make view B with the pockets, but I omitted the pocked for ease and so I wouldn't spend all afternoon matching up stripes. I used this nice cream linen with grey stripes that we found when we sorted through all of the fabric in the garage.

I laid out my fabric and cut out the three pieces: front, back and two waistbands. Then I just sewed everything up. There are only two seams on this skirt, and then the gathering and attaching to the waistband. This is a great project for someone just learning to sew.

After sewing the side seams I took the skirt to the serger to clean up the edges. If you've ever worked with linen before you know that it frays like crazy, so the serger was a definite plus for this project. Luckily, the serger was already threaded with white, so I saved myself the two hour ordeal of changing the thread on the machine. (Now I know that normally changing your serger thread should not take that long, but whenever I do it, I seem to run into a problem and have to re-thread the whole machine.)

After finishing the edges, I gathered the skirt and attached it to the waistband. I threaded through some elastic and then did a small hem. This skirt is kinda short. So I did a very little hem, not the one inch the pattern said to do. If you ever make this pattern, you may want to give it a little extra length, so you can then adjust to your taste.

I was pretty much done with the skirt, so I stepped out to have Grandma to a quick check of the hem. I wanted to make sure it at least looked straight. She said it did, so I was good to go. This was such an easy skirt and it's so comfy. I think I may make another one maybe with the pockets. This one will definitely be making it to work this week.

So what do you think of this skirt? Have you ever made any clothes for yourself?

Orange-y Tunic Top

So here it is the top I made on Easter. I'm so happy I finally got around to making this.

I didn't make any alterations to the pattern. I used the smallest size, and though I thought the armholes would be too big, they weren't. I've learned to accept the fact that the ruching in the yoke is a mess. I'm loving the graphic print and the bright red-orange.

I'm always super intimidated when making clothing. I hem and haw and put it off forever. But next time I have to just jump in and do it. Once I get started it's always easier than what I had thought.

I plan on making a nice easy summer dress next, with help from Grandma. I'll have a details on the construction of that one, cause I want her to show me how to make it from scratch. (EEK!)

So what do you think of the top?

A DIY Easter

Happy Easter everyone! It was a nice lazy day at home for me (finally!). But I was able to get a project done.

After helping with some yard work, I was able to make the top I had been planning to make forever. I bought the fabric months. I got inspired by a top I saw on ModCloth, which, of course, is now no longer available, so I can't show you my inspiration. I wanted a top that wasn't knit (since most of the tops I have now are). So I bought this pretty sheer fabric at JoAnn's. I also bought some pongee lining, which is pretty much the same weight. I made Simplicity 2892 view E. It was labeled 6 made easy, and it was for the most part.

This top is only a few pieces: front, back, front yoke, back yoke, and two pieces of lining for the front and back of the yoke. I cut it out and putting it together was going pretty smooth, until I had to gather the yoke. I stitched around the edge with my largest machine stitch and started gathering. It was a huge mess of gathers and I almost gave up on it. After showing my aunt and grandmother, they said it looked great, so I left the gathers in. The part that took me the longest was hand-stitching the yoke lining, but in the end it was worth it. This is a super cute and comfy tunic tank that I hope to wear to work soon.

In the middle of my top making, I stopped my work to make the macaroni and cheese I was making for dinner. I use this super simple recipe. I've tried a few baked mac & cheese's that use a bechamel sauce as they base and they never seem to be cheesey enough for me. But this one is perfect, cheesey and so simple. I add some crumbled crackers to the top after I uncover it to give it a crispy topping. I used saltines this time (cause it's what was in the pantry), but I've used Ritz crackers before and that is super yummy.

I hope you all had a great Easter and got to work on some crafty projects this weekend too. I'm so happy with my top, that I have to stary planning my next clothing project.

p.s. I'll post a pic of the top in another post ;)

30 for 30: Recap

I know, I know, I got back into my slacker blogger ways, but I've been super busy. I liked hearing from all of you on my blog, so I'm gonna try to keep blogging consistently. We'll see how that goes.

So here is my 30 for 30 recap. Overall, I did think I learned to remix a bit. I'm still shocked that I made it through the whole challenge. YAY me! Here are all of the outfits in all of their glory:

Looking at this I can see I kinda used two outfits twice (#6 & #22 and #7 & #24), but does it still count if I mixed it up with different jewelry?

I have to say that I learned to love dresses a little more with this challenge too. I may have to get some more for the sweltering Miami summer.

Now that I'm not on the challenge I really have a hard time figuring out what to wear. Is that weird or what? I want to wear different things, but in all reality the clothes in my challenge is most of what I own minus a few dozen tank tops.

What I missed most on the challenge was all of my shoes. Being limited to only 5 pairs was crazy, but I did learn to love my glitter flats. I did go shopping the weekend after this was all over. I got a super cute blazer at JC Penney on clearance for $20. Score!

I might try doing the summer 30 for 30, but for that one I know a lot more flip flops and tank tops will be involved. How'd you all do in your 30 for 30?

30 for 30: Day 30!

I made it! I did all 30 days in the 30 for 30 remix challenge. I never ever thought I would. I even kept up with my pictures. I'm amazed at myself. I already have shopping plans for tomorrow... I need some new summer clothes!

What I wore:

• Black dress--Athleta
  
• Jean Jacket--Old Navy
• Glitter flats--Payless

And I added:

• Silver hoops--Payless
• Silver long necklace with colored beads--Avon
• Silver watch--gift

Here is my celebratory dance picture to celebrate the last day of 30 for 30! I'll be posting a recap tomorrow.

30 for 30: Day 29

I'm so happy! Only one day left. I can't wait to get my hands on my other clothes. But I do thinkg I've learned about remixing, so I hope to come up with great new combinations.

What I wore:

• Grey scoop neck--Walmart
  
• Purple cardi--Target
• Dark boot cut jeans--Old Navy
• Black t-straps--Payless

And I added:

• Silver twisted hoops--from Ecuador
• Silver ovals ring--bought from co-worker
• Grey patent belt--Nordstrom

30 for 30 : Day 28

I totally love the combination of red and teal. Plus my awesome handmade ring matches just perfectly. Only two more days left! I can't wait to go shopping and wear all of my shoes.

What I wore:

• Black cami--Kmart
• Teal v-neck--Old Navy
  
• Jean skirt--Old Navy
  
• Red corduroy jacket--Old Navy
  
• Red flats--Payless
  

And I added:

• Silver ball earrings--Payless
• Red & teal bow ring--handmade (She is Crafting My Doom)
  

30 for 30: Day 27

The end of the month! And only 3 more remixing days left to go. I never thought I'd make it this far. But I have, and it's almost done. I had thought up this outfit a while ago. I wish I had some more teal accents, but overall, I like the casual stripes with the dressier pants.

What I wore:

• Striped top--Old Navy
• Brown pants--JC Penney
• Teal wedges--Payless

And I added:

• Silver oval hoops--no idea
• Long silver necklace--Old Navy
• Silver cuff--vintage (taken from Mom)

30 for 30: Day 26

Yesterday due to the filming I skipped the 30 for 30 it was just too crazy. I just wore my workout pants and a t-shirt, since I was sequestered to the dining room. But today is Oscar day! And I also had a Handmade Miami meeting.

What I wore:

• Teal tank--Old Navy
• Skinny jeans--Old Navy
• Glitter flats--Payless

And I added:

• Small silver hoops--gift
  

30 for 30: Day 25

I think this outfit is kinda a little cheating... but I don't care. They are filming a TV show (Spanish language) at my house today and tomorrow, so it's been crazy. The crew showed up before I usually even get up for work.

What I wore:

• Grey dolman top--JC Penney
• Brown cardi--Target
• Dark skinny jeans--Old Navy
• Glitter flats--Payless

And I added:

• Gold hoops--don't know
• Green & gold glass ring--handmade not by me
• Beaded bracelet--handmade not by me

30 for 30: Day 24

Finally in the home stretch. Only a few days left and I can wear other things and shop! I'm kind of amazed I've made it this far. Have you kept up with the challenge?

What I wore:

• Black cami--Kmart
• Blue short-sleeved cardi--JC Penney
• Dark boot cut jeans--Old Navy
• Black t-straps--Payless

And I added:

• Silver hoops--Payless
• Silver wing necklace--handmade by me
• Silver cuff--vintage (taken from Mom)

30 for 30: Day 23

Ok after two weeks of long weekends, this week at work feels like torture. But tonight I get to go do some more playing in the new craft room.

What I wore:

• Purple tank--Old Navy
• Grey blazer--Kohls
• Boot cut jeans--Old Navy
• Teal wedges--Payless

And I added:

• Silver oval hoops--no idea
• Silver ring--bought from girl at work
• Heart and arrow necklace--Old Navy

30 for 30: Day 22

Winter is officially over here in Miami. Today it's supposed to be 84. That's it. Summer is here. Hot humid miserably hot summer. Did I mention hot? I think I wouldn't be able to survive without central A/C. So today was the perfect day to wear my green dress. With a denim jacket to protect from the cold A/C at work.

What I wore:

• Grey scoop neck--Walmart
  
• Green Dress--Old Navy
• Demin jacket--Old Navy
• Glitter flats--Payless

And I added:

• Gold hoops--I have no idea
• Brown belt--Target

30 for 30: Day 21

Only 8 days left! Almost done. Well I was lucky to be off from work today for Presidents' Day, so I ran a few errands and had lunch with a friend.

What I wore:

• Burgundy v-neck--Target
• Skinny Jeans--Old Navy
• Glitter flats--Payless

And I added:

• Twisted silver hoops--gift
• Birds necklace--Pumpkin Pye Boutique
• Bracelets--I have no idea
  

30 for 30: Day 20

What a bummy day. I just did stuff around the house, I didn't even put on shoes. Well I did put on some shoes to go get evaporated milk at the store that Mom and Grandma needed. But other than that it was a chill day at home. I cleaned up my craft room and helped Grandma set up for her luncheon with her sisters. Please excuse my slackness.

What I wore:

• Red t-shirt
• Skinny jeans